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Offseason deal with Jays paying off for Marlins

Offseason deal with Jays paying off for Marlins

7/31/13: Jake Marisnick crushes a solo homer, his first career dinger in the bottom of the second

By Joe Frisaro and Joe Morgan
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MLB.com |

MIAMI -- As the non-waiver Trade Deadline came and passed on Wednesday afternoon, the ripples of a previous Marlins trade were in full effect in Miami.

Starter Henderson Alvarez and outfielder Jake Marisnick -- two pieces involved in the 12-player trade with the Blue Jays last November -- led the Marlins to a 3-2 victory against the Mets on Wednesday.

Marisnick hit his first career homer, and Alvarez tossed yet another stellar outing, recording his fourth straight quality start despite seeing his streak of 18 consecutive scoreless innings come to an end.

Adeiny Hechavarria is one of the best defensive shortstops in the Majors, and he batted .324 (33-for-102) during July. Jeff Mathis has thrown out 15 out of 35 would-be basestealers while also mentoring Miami's young rotation.

"Those guys are going to be a big part of not only this team this year, but the future," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. "These guys can play, and it's good seeing them get up here and get some experience."

Redmond has been especially impressed with Alvarez, who after taking a couple of starts to adjust since his return from the 60-day disabled list on July 4 enjoyed a stellar month, compiling a 2.61 ERA in six starts.

"He missed a couple of months, so it's nice to just see what we have in him, what he's capable of doing," Redmond said. "We're still learning his capabilities as far as stamina and all that stuff, because we've only really seen him a few times. But obviously, we like what we've seen so far."

In addition to Alvarez, Miami netted two more arms in the deal in pitching prospects Justin Nicolino and Anthony DeSclafani, who have each split time between Class A Jupiter and Double-A Jacksonville this season.

Nicolino, the Marlins' No. 4 prospect, according to MLB.com, is 6-4 with a 2.77 ERA in 21 starts, and DeSclafani, Miami's No. 15 prospect, is also 6-4 with a 3.09 ERA in 19 starts.

The Marlins and the Blue Jays both sit in last place in their respective divisions nine months since reaching the blockbuster deal, but at least for Miami, the good has outweighed the bad in recent months.

"It's fun to see these guys all come together," Redmond said. "I don't you think you realize how good of players we got in that trade and how much those guys are going to be a big part of not only this team this year but the future."